2018 NFL Draft: Giants Could Have a Memorable Draft.

By Michael Stewart

Introduction: I’ve been covering Giants football for nearly 25 years and have seen my share of great and not so great moments on draft day. From the great picks of Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer, Tiki Barber, Steve Smith and Chris Snee all in round two; to the dismal selections of Cedric Jones, William Joseph, Tyrone Wheatley and Ron Dayne in round 1. Perhaps the only pre-draft anticipation that showed any excitement compared to this upcoming draft was the 2004 NFL draft when the Giants had the 4th overall pick and targeted Eli Manning from start to finish and eventually traded with the Chargers on day 1 of the draft. Fast forward to 2018 and this year’s draft has been filled their more excitement, more anticipation and more scenarios than any other draft that I’ve covered over the last 25 years. The Giants have been rumor of possibly trading back from the 2nd overall pick to the highest bidder; and to add icing on the cake, consistent rumors of an Odell Beckham trade keeps resurfacing, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. Now if one or both of these scenario’s plays out, this year’s NFL draft will be one if not the most memorable New York Giants drafts of all time. I’ve compiled a few scenarios that GM Dave Gettleman could encounter before or while the Giants are on the clock.

Giants GM Dave Gettleman continues to receive calls from several teams for their elusive 2nd overall pick. Two factors could come into play that would make Gettleman pull the trigger and they are:

If their primary target is off the board; which many believe it could be Saquon Barkley.

If Gettleman gets blown away with a flock of picks that would be hard to refuse.

Giants GM Dave Gettleman continues to receive calls from several teams for Odell Beckham Jr. Two factors could come into play that would make Gettleman pull the trigger and they are:

A team puts together a package of picks that exceeds the Giants original demands and once again, hard to refuse.

Gettleman believes that Beckham, despite his immense talent, would be more of a distraction and not worth the multi-million contract he’s seeking and feels it’s better to trade him now while he has leverage.

Giants GM Dave Gettleman continues to receive offers for both OBJ and their 2nd overall from several teams. Two factors could come into play that would make Gettleman pull the trigger and they are:

If the packages of picks are so overwhelming that it would provide the Giants with a stock pile of picks over the next two or three years.

If Gettleman receives talented players along with a stock pile of picks in return that would help make the Giants a playoff contender in 2018

Giants GM Dave Gettleman keeps the 2nd overall pick and officially takes Beckham off the trading block. Two factors could come into play that would make Gettleman hold on to both and they are:

If their intended target is still on the board when it’s time to make their selection.

Gettleman is convinced that OBJ will clean up his off and on the field antics and signs him to a long term deal.

Final Thoughts: Realistically, any of these scenarios could play out as Gettleman is in a very powerful position in his 1st draft as the Giants GM. He has received and will continue to receive calls leading up to the draft regarding the 2nd overall pick and OBJ. Whether or not a team would be willing to over spend on either option is not clear, however; what is clear is that Gettleman will not give either option away if he feels it’s not going improve the Giants current and future status as a legit playoff contender. Based on all the reports and information currently being rumored; the odds that Gettleman trades Beckham is not as definite as it might have been a few weeks back. However; trading back is still a possibility if current intangibles play out. Although, Gettleman has never traded back in the 1st round, doesn’t mean he won’t as he needs to be blown away with a package that it’s an offer he can’t refused. All this anticipation and speculations has made this year’s draft the most exciting, edge of your seat draft in Giants history at least in the past 25 years that I’ve been covering this team. Next Article: My Final Mock Draft